. >> president obama was in new jersey today, touring the devastation caused by sandy. the magnitude of the loss in the entire northeast is staggering. entire communities have been wiped out, while others remain under water. the death toll has risen to 62 people. nbc bay area's kimberly tere has more on the president's visit and the latest on the recovery. kimberly? >> raj, the president visited with victims of the superstorm in new jersey. the state where sandy came ashore was hardest hit. after his tour, he pledged federal support for the long haul. president barack obama joined new jersey state governor chris christie to get a firsthand look at what sandy left behind. >> we are here for you. and we will not forget. we will follow up to make sure that you get all the help that you need until you rebuild. >> reporter: a long-time supporter of republican presidential nominee mitt romney, christy is today praising the president's handling of sandy. >> he has worked incredibly closely with me since before the storm hit. i think this is our sixth conversation since the wee